Bad News for Gregoire

Washington's economy is taking a hit at precisely the wrong moment for Gov. Christine Gregoire, who is up for reelection in November. From the Seattle ...

Washington's economy is taking a hit at precisely the wrong moment for Gov. Christine Gregoire, who is up for reelection in November. From the Seattle Times :

As economic thunderstorms lash Wall Street and soak most of the rest of the country, Seattle and Washington state have managed to stay fairly dry. But beware: The skies are darkening quickly.

Unemployment in Washington state took a big jump last month, more evidence that the local economy is sliding toward recession. And though inflation abated a bit, prices for food, fuel and shelter are still considerably higher than a year ago.

The statewide jobless rate hit 6 percent in August, after adjusting for seasonal variations, versus a revised 5.6 percent in July, the state Employment Security Department reported Tuesday. That was just below the national rate of 6.1 percent